ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE VENTILATION GRILLE

Abstract

An air delivery system for a vehicle includes at least one ventilation grille assembly. The ventilation grille assembly comprises a housing that defines a first section and a second section. The first section of the housing includes a bottom wall and a first and second side wall. A connected louver assembly is arranged in a cavity defined by the first section of the housing, and a pivoting louver assembly is arranged in a cavity defined by the second section of the housing. A first actuator is operatively coupled to the connected louver assembly and is coupled to the first side wall. A second actuator is operatively coupled to the pivoting louver assembly and is coupled to the bottom wall.The first and second actuators include a body and locking flanges extending from the body to accommodate fastening elements for coupling the respective actuator to the housing.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an actuator assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an actuator assembly of a ventilation grille for a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles can include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to provide climate-controlled air to a passenger cabin. The direction of the airflow can be adjusted by the passenger. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an air delivery system for a vehicle includes at least one ventilation grille assembly. The at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a housing that defines a first section and a second section, wherein the housing includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a first and a second side wall. A connected louver assembly is arranged in a cavity defined by the first section of the housing, and a pivoting louver assembly is arranged in a cavity defined by the second section of the housing. A first actuator is operatively coupled to the connected louver assembly to direct a movement of the connected louver assembly, wherein the first actuator is coupled to the first side wall.A second actuator is operatively coupled to the pivoting louver assembly to control its movement, with the second actuator being coupled to the lower wall. Both the first and second actuators comprise a body with a first and a second side, the body defining a coupling joint on both sides. Coupling flanges extend from the body to accommodate fasteners for coupling the respective actuator to the housing.

[0004] The first aspect of the present revelation may include any one or a combination of the following features: - Each flange defines a passage for coupling the first and second actuators to the housing via the fastening elements, with the coupling flanges extending in different directions from the body of each of the first and second actuators; - at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a plurality of projections extending from each of the first side wall and the bottom wall of the enclosure, wherein at least one of the plurality of projections on each extending from the first side wall and the bottom wall includes locking ribs; - at least one of the coupling flanges of the first actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the first side wall, wherein at least one of the coupling flanges of the second actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the lower wall; - the body of each of the first and second actuators includes a locking flange, the housing including a locking pin extending from each of the first side wall and the bottom wall; - the locking flanges each define a passage, with the locking flange of the first actuator being configured to receive the locking pin extending from the first side wall, and the locking flange of the second actuator being configured to receive the locking pin extending from the bottom wall of the housing; - the air delivery system further includes a third and a fourth actuator, wherein the at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a first ventilation grille and a second ventilation grille, and wherein the first and second actuators are coupled to the first ventilation grille, and wherein furthermore the third actuator is coupled to the second side wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille, and the fourth actuator is coupled to the bottom wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille; - the first sides of the first and second actuators engage the housing of the first ventilation grille to allow the coupling joints on the first sides of the first and second actuators to engage the connected louver assembly and the pivoting louver assembly of the first ventilation grille, respectively, wherein the second sides of the third and fourth actuators engage the housing of the second ventilation grille to allow the coupling joints on the second sides of the third and fourth actuators to engage the connected louver assembly and the pivoting louver assembly of the second ventilation grille, respectively; - a connecting feature includes an engagement pin extending through a slot defined by the first side wall, the connecting feature being coupled to the connected slat assembly, a drive connecting element operatively coupled to the first-side coupling joint of the first actuator and the connecting feature to set a position of the connected slat assembly, and a drive pin operatively coupled to the second actuator's coupling joint and the pivoting slat assembly to set a position of the pivoting slat assembly; and - the lower wall of the housing defines an opening, with the drive pin extending through the opening to engage the coupling joint of the second actuator.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a ventilation grille assembly for a vehicle comprises a ventilation grille that includes a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second side walls to define a cavity, at least partially. Coupling projections extend from the housings, with at least one of the projections defining locking ribs. Locking pins extend from the housing near the coupling projections. A first louver assembly, comprising first louvers, is arranged in the cavity, and a second louver assembly, comprising second louvers, is arranged in the cavity, the second louver assembly being positioned near the first louver assembly. A first actuator is operatively coupled to the first side wall of the ventilation grille via the coupling projections and locking pins, and at least one of the locking pins.The first actuator engages the first louver assembly to direct the movement of the first louvers in a first direction. A second actuator is operatively coupled to the lower wall of the ventilation grille via the coupling projections and at least one of the locking pins, with the second actuator engaging the second louver assembly to direct the movement of the second louvers in a second direction.

[0006] The second aspect of the present revelation may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the first actor and the second actor each comprise a body positioned within a space defined by a respective set of coupling projections, the body of the first and the second actor comprising a first side and a second side, the first side being opposite the second side; - the first actuator and the second actuator each include a coupling joint, which has a first joint extending from the first side partially through a first section of the body, and a second joint extending from the second side partially through a second section of the body; - the coupling projections and the locking pins each extend from the first side wall and the lower wall of the housing, wherein the first side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the first side wall and the first joint engages the first lamellae of the first lamella assembly, and wherein the first side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages the second lamellae of the second lamella assembly; - the coupling projections and the locking pins each extend from the second side wall and the lower wall of the housing, wherein the second side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the second side wall and the second joint engages the first lamellae of the first lamella assembly, and wherein the second side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages the second lamellae of the second lamella assembly; and - a second ventilation grille includes a housing having a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall which at least partially define a cavity, wherein a third actuator is operatively coupled to the second side wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille and a fourth actuator is operatively coupled to the bottom wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a ventilation grille assembly for a vehicle comprises a housing that includes a lower wall and opposing side walls to define at least a partial cavity. A fastening feature extends from at least one of the opposing side walls of the housing. A louver assembly is arranged within the cavity of the housing, the louver assembly comprising first louvers and second louvers configured to direct air into an interior space of the vehicle. Actuators are operatively coupled to the housing, the actuators being configured to adjust the first louvers and the second louvers, respectively, and each actuator comprising a coupling joint. A drive link is operatively coupled to the fastening feature and coupling joint of one of the actuators.A connecting feature is located within the cavity and includes an engagement pin that extends through a slot in the housing. The connecting feature is coupled to the drive connecting element and the slat assembly, with one of the actuators rotating the drive connecting element to move the connecting feature along a predetermined path through the slot to adjust the position of the first slats.

[0008] The third aspect of the present revelation may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the ventilation grille assembly includes an opening defined on the lower wall of the housing and a drive pin that is partially located inside the opening of the housing, the drive pin being coupled to the second louvers of the louver assembly; - the drive pin engages the coupling joint of a second of the actuators to rotate the drive pin and adjust the position of the second slats; and - The actuators each include a first side and a second side, wherein the coupling joint on each of the first side and the second side is defined such that the first side and the second side of each of the actuators are configured to engage the lamella assembly.

[0009] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a vehicle dashboard with an air delivery system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective partial side view of an air delivery system having ventilation grilles aligned with a baffle, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a ventilation grille that includes actuators coupled to a side wall and a bottom wall of the ventilation grille, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective partial side view of projections, locking ribs and a locking pin arranged to extend from a first side wall of a housing of a ventilation grille, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a first ventilation grille and a second ventilation grille of an air delivery system, which have actuators, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is a front plan view of an actuator incorporating coupling flanges and a locking flange, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective partial side view of an actuator coupled to a lower wall of a ventilation grille, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the actuator, which is a side wall of a housing made of Fig. 3 engages along line VII-VII according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation grille made of Fig. 2 along line XX according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the ventilation grille made of Fig. 2 along line XI-XI according to the present disclosure; Fig. 11 is a perspective side view of a connected lamella removed from a ventilation grille, according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 12 is a partially separated view of a ventilation grille with two actuators according to the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 13 is a block diagram of an air delivery system for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0012] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0013] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0014] The embodiments illustrated herein consist mainly of combinations of process steps and setup components relating to an actuator assembly for a vehicle. Accordingly, the setup components and process steps are represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings represent identical elements.

[0015] As used in this document, the expression "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition, as described, contains components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0016] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element to which "includes a..."“The fact that it precedes the exclusion of the existence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility which includes the element does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility which includes the element.

[0017] As used in this document, the expression "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative information and properties are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the expression "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0018] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0019] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] Regarding the Fig. Reference numeral 10 generally denotes an air delivery system for a vehicle 12, comprising at least one ventilation grille 14, which generally includes a first ventilation grille 14a and a second ventilation grille 14b, which together may be referred to as the ventilation grilles 14. Each ventilation grille 14 comprises a housing 16, which defines an upstream housing section 18 and a downstream housing section 20. The housing 16 comprises an upper wall 22, a lower wall 24, and a first and a second side wall 26a, 26b. A connected louver assembly 28 is arranged in a first cavity section 30, which is defined by the downstream housing section 20 of the housing 16. A pivoting louver assembly 32 is arranged in a second cavity section 34, which is defined by the upstream housing section 18.

[0021] The ventilation grilles 14 also include several actuators 36, which generally comprise actuators 36a-36d, which can be collectively referred to as the actuators 36 in this document. Actuators 36a and 36c are operatively coupled to the connected louver assemblies 28 to control the movement of these assemblies. Actuators 36b and 36d are operatively coupled to the pivoting louver assemblies 32 to control the movement of these assemblies. Furthermore, actuators 36a and 36b are generally coupled to the first ventilation grille 14a, while actuators 36c and 36d are generally coupled to the second ventilation grille 14b. The actuators 36 each include a body 38 that defines a coupling joint 40 extending inwards from a first or second side 42a, 42b.The actuators 36 also include flanges 44a-44d, which are also referred to as coupling flanges 44a-44d and extend from the body 38 to accommodate fastening elements 46 for coupling the actuators 36 to the housing 16.

[0022] Regarding Fig. 1. The vehicle 12 includes an interior 54 containing seat assemblies 56 for carrying passengers. An instrument panel or dashboard 58 extends transversely in a vehicle direction in a forward section of the interior 54, near the seat assemblies 56. A panel 60 is coupled to the instrument panel 58 and extends transversely in the vehicle direction. The panel 60 can extend completely from one side of the vehicle 12 to the other or, alternatively, can extend over a portion of the distance between opposite transverse sides of the vehicle 12.

[0023] Vehicle 12 can be a sedan, an SUV, a van, a truck, a crossover, another type of wheeled vehicle, or other types of vehicles. Vehicle 12 can be a manually operated vehicle (e.g., operated by a human driver), a fully autonomous vehicle (e.g., operated without a human driver), or a semi-autonomous vehicle (e.g., operated with or without a human driver). Furthermore, Vehicle 12 can be used for private and / or commercial purposes, such as ride-hailing services (e.g., chauffeuring), transportation, and / or ride-sharing services.

[0024] Furthermore, regarding Fig. 1 as well as on Fig. 2 defines the aperture 60 with several airflow openings 62, which are aligned with outlets 64 of the ventilation grilles 14. The airflow openings 62 fluidically couple the interior 54 to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the vehicle 12. The ventilation grilles 14 direct air from the HVAC system into the interior 54. The HVAC system generally cleans, cools, heats, regulates, ventilates, and / or dehumidifies the air directed into the interior 54. The ventilation grilles 14 engage a duct extending to the HVAC system. A passenger or user inside the vehicle 12 can use the ventilation grilles 14 to direct the air passing through them to certain locations or in certain directions to enhance passenger comfort.

[0025] Generally, several ventilation grilles 14 engage with the instrument panel 58, including ventilation grilles 14a, 14b, which can form a pair of ventilation grilles that are mirror images of each other. In certain configurations, four ventilation grilles 14 with two pairs (e.g., a left and a right pair) of ventilation grilles 14a, 14b are arranged on the instrument panel 58. In such examples, the vehicle 12 may include a left outer grille 14a, a left inner grille 14b, a right inner grille 14a, and a right outer grille 14b.

[0026] Furthermore, regarding Fig. 2 as well as Fig. The ventilation grilles 14 each include the housing 16. The housings 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 include the upstream housing section 18, which defines the first cavity section 30, and the downstream housing section 20, which defines the second cavity section 34. The downstream housing section 20 includes the upper wall 22, the lower wall 24, and the first and second side walls 26a, 26b, to define at least part of the second cavity section 34. The configuration of the upstream housing section 18 generally differs from the configuration of the downstream housing section 20. The configuration of the upstream housing section 18 accommodates movement of the pivoting louver assembly 32, while the configuration of the downstream housing section 20 accommodates movement of the connected louver assembly 28.The upstream housing section 18 defines an inlet 66, which is generally coupled to the duct and fluidically couples the ventilation grilles 14 to the vehicle 12's HVAC system. The downstream housing section 20 defines the outlet 64, which is aligned with the respective airflow opening 62 defined by the baffle 60. Accordingly, the ventilation grilles 14 can be located in the vehicle 12 and aligned with the airflow openings 62 in the baffle 60.

[0027] In various examples, the ventilation grilles 14 are high-aspect-ratio grilles. In such configurations, the outlets 64 are narrow and elongated, each having a width of at least approximately 150 mm and a height of less than approximately 25 mm. Furthermore, the airflow openings 62, defined by the baffle 60, can be narrow, elongated openings that blend into the aesthetics of the dashboard 58. The outlets 64 and the corresponding airflow openings 62 are each generally narrow and elongated.

[0028] Furthermore, the housings 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 can comprise several sections that are coupled together. For example, the housings 16 can comprise a first section defining an upper half of the housing 16 and a second section defining a lower half of the housing 16. The first and second sections of the housing 16 can be coupled together to form the housing 16 and together define the cavity sections 30, 34.

[0029] Regarding Fig. 3 as well as the Fig. 4 and Fig. The housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 comprises the first and second side walls 26a, 26b, and the lower wall 24. The housings 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 may include coupling or receiving projections 70, which generally include projections 70a-70c, which may be referred to collectively here as projections 70. The projections 70 assist in aligning and fixing the actuators 36 to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. In the case of the first ventilation grille 14a, the projections 70 extend from the first side wall 26a and the lower wall 24, and in the case of the second ventilation grille 14b, the projections 70 extend from the second side wall 26b and the lower wall 24. In this respect, the housings 16 for the pair of ventilation grilles 14a, 14b are mirror images of each other. As illustrated, the projections 70 can extend from the outer side walls 26a or 26b, but can extend from the inner side walls 26a, 26b (e.g.the second side wall 26b at the first ventilation grille 14a and the first side wall 26a at the second ventilation grille 14b) extend without deviating from the present teaching.

[0030] The projections 70 each include a base 74 defining a respective through-passage 78a-78c configured to receive the fasteners 46 when the actuators 36 are aligned with the projections 70. The base 74 of the projections 70 includes radially extending support ribs 82 extending from the base 74 to assist in stabilizing the actuators 36 coupled to the housing 16 and to provide additional structural support. As illustrated, the projections 70 may include at least one support rib 82 or up to three support ribs 82; however, it is conceivable that the projections 70 may not include the support ribs 82 or may include more than three support ribs 82.

[0031] The projections 70 extend from the respective first side wall 26a or second side wall 26b and the lower walls 24 to assist in coupling the actuators 36 to the ventilation grilles 14, as described in more detail below. For example, the projections 70 can generally extend between the first side wall 26a and one of the transverse sides of the vehicle 12, or they can generally extend between the second side wall 26b of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 and the opposite transverse sides of the vehicle 12. In another example, the projections 70 can generally extend downwards from the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 when the ventilation grilles 14 are mounted in the vehicle 12.Moreover, the housing 16, as illustrated, includes three projections 70 in each set or group of projections 70; however, it is considered that the housing 16 may include more or fewer than three projections 70 on any of the first side wall 26a, the second side wall 26b and / or the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14.

[0032] At least one of the projections 70 in each group or set defines locking ribs 86 that extend outwards from the base 74 near the support ribs 82 or further away from it. The locking ribs 86 can extend in opposite directions to each other and, together with at least one support rib 82, form a generally T-shaped configuration at the base 74 of the projections 70. In the illustrated configuration from Fig. 4. The projection 70b incorporates the locking ribs 86, and the locking ribs 86 can extend beyond one end of the projection 70b to assist in positioning and installing the actuators 36 on the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. For example, the locking ribs 86 can form a two-way locking feature, with at least two extending locking ribs 86 positioned on at least one of the projections 70. The two-way locking feature of the locking ribs 86 enables compatibility with different configurations of the housing 16, thereby providing a secure fit for the actuators 36 and reducing movement in two opposite directions.

[0033] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The housings 16 can include a locking pin 90a on each of the side walls 26a, 26b near the respective projections 70, and the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 can include a locking pin 90b near the respective projections 70. For example, the locking pins 90a, 90b are arranged near the respective projection 70a, as illustrated. The locking pins 90a, 90b can extend from the first side wall 26a or the second side wall 26b and from the lower wall 24 of the housings 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. The locking pins 90a, 90b can provide a reduction of movement or restrictions in four directions to form a 4-way locking feature. Accordingly, the locking pins 90a, 90b may be narrower at a distal end and may become wider near the housing 16.The locking pins 90a, 90b provide an additional degree of positioning accuracy and stability for the actuators 36. The locking pins 90a, 90b and the locking ribs 86 of the projection(s) 70a, 70b, 70c work together to provide a multi-point reference system for positioning the actuators 36 on the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14, as described in more detail below.

[0034] The first side wall 26a of the first ventilation grille 14a and the second side wall 26b of the second ventilation grille 14b may further include a guide or fastening feature 94 that is positioned near at least one of the projections 70 and the locking pins 90a, 90b. In this respect, each housing 16 includes two sets of projections 70 and locking features (i.e., the locking ribs 86, the locking pins 90a, 90b), including one set on one of the side walls 26a, 26b and a second set on the bottom wall 24. Each set of projections 70 and locking features (i.e., the locking ribs 86, the locking pins 90a, 90b), as illustrated, includes the projections 70, with at least one projection 70b including the locking ribs 86 and the locking pins 90a, 90b.

[0035] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the fastening feature 94 is located near the projection 70b on the first side wall 26a. The fastening feature 94 may not be included on the lower walls 24. The fastening feature 94 may also be configured to assist in coupling the actuators 36a, 36c to the first and second side walls 26a, 26b of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. Furthermore, the fastening feature 94 may engage a drive connecting element 98 to assist in transmitting movement from the respective actuator 36a, 36c via the drive connecting element 98 to adjust the connected louver assembly 28.

[0036] Furthermore, the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 can include an opening 100 near the projections 70, which may be omitted in the side walls 26a, 26b. As, for example, in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the opening 100 is defined near the projection 70a of the lower wall 24 of the housing 16. The opening 100 can be configured to accommodate a drive pin 104, which can engage the actuators 36b, 36d to assist in adjusting the pivoting louver assembly 32.

[0037] Regarding the Fig. 3-5 The ventilation grilles 14 each include several coupling and alignment components (i.e., the locking ribs 86, the locking pins 90a, 90b and the fastening feature 94) arranged in two locations to assist in coupling the actuators 36 to the housing 16, as well as to position the ventilation grilles 14 within the vehicle 12. For example, the first ventilation grille 14a, which is generally a left-hand ventilation grille 14a positioned in the instrument panel 58, has the projections 70 with the locking ribs 86, the locking pin 90a and the fastening feature 94 extending from the first side wall 26a of the housing 16. Furthermore, the first ventilation grille 14a also includes the projections 70, which contain the locking ribs 86 and the locking pin 90b, extending from the lower wall 24 of the housing 16. The lower wall 24 of the first ventilation grille 14a defines the opening 100.

[0038] In comparison, the second ventilation grille 14b, which is generally a right-hand ventilation grille 14b positioned in the instrument panel 58, has the projections 70 with the locking ribs 86, the locking pin 90a, and the fastening feature 94 extending from the second side wall 26b of the housing 16. Furthermore, the second ventilation grille 14b includes the projections 70, which contain the locking ribs 86 and the locking pin 90b, extending from the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 of the second ventilation grille 14b. The lower wall 24 of the second ventilation grille 14b defines the opening 100. Accordingly, the first and second ventilation grilles 14a, 14b are generally mirror images of each other.

[0039] The air delivery system 10 includes the actuators 36, which are coupled to the side walls 26a, 26b and the lower wall 24 of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14a and 14b, respectively. The actuators 36 include the actuator 36a, which is generally a left-hand connected actuator 36a, coupled to the first side wall 26a of the first ventilation grille 14a, and the actuator 36c, which is generally a right-hand connected actuator 36c, coupled to the second side wall 26b of the second ventilation grille 14b. Furthermore, the actuators 36 include the actuator 36b, which is generally a left pivot actuator 36b coupled to the lower wall 24 of the first ventilation grille 14a, and the actuator 36d, which is generally a right pivot actuator 36d coupled to the lower wall 24 of the second ventilation grille 14b.

[0040] Furthermore, regarding Fig. 5 as well as the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The actuators 36 each comprise a substantially similar or identical configuration, resulting in modular actuators 36 that can be arranged at four locations above two different structures of the housing 16 (e.g., at eight locations above the two pairs of ventilation grilles 14a, 14b). Each actuator 36 comprises the body 38 with flanges 44a-44d extending from the body 38. The flanges 44a-44d extend in different directions from the body 38 and are positioned to provide mounting points and structural support for the actuators 36 when the actuators 36 are coupled to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. The outer edges of each of the flanges 44a-44d are chamfered or rounded to reduce sharp corners and minimize stress concentrations when the actuators 36 are in operation.Flanges 44a-44d each define a respective opening 110a-110d, which can be positioned at a central point on the flanges 44a-44d to facilitate coupling the actuators 36 to the ventilation grilles 14. The openings 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d are aligned with the openings 78a-78c of the projections 70 extending from the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14.

[0041] The arrangement of the projections 70 allows the alignment of the actuators 36 in the correct position and orientation to be guided and supported by aligning the passages 78a-78c, 110a-110d. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, when the flanges 44a-44d of the actuators 36 are aligned with the openings 78a-78c of the projections 70, the locking ribs 86 of the projection 70b can extend along the side faces 114 of the coupling flange 44a to accommodate fastening elements 46, which assist in positioning and fixing the actuator 36b to the lower wall 24 of the first ventilation grille 14a. Accordingly, the position of the locking ribs 86 on the projections 70 can allow the actuators 36 to be coupled to the housing 16 as a two-way locking feature and / or as a screw connection via the fastening element 46.

[0042] As previously explained, the housing 16 can be formed from several sections, such as a first or upper section and a second or lower section. Coupling the actuators 36 to the housing 16 can assist in fixing the first and second sections of the housing 16, thereby providing additional structural support to the housing 16 and the ventilation grilles 14. In such examples, at least one of the projections 70 on the side wall 26a (which can extend across the two sections) can extend from the upper section, and at least one projection 70 can extend from the lower section. The actuator 36 is then coupled to each of the sections, which can also help to hold the two sections in position relative to each other.

[0043] Furthermore, at least one of the flanges 44a-44d may not be used to assist in fixing the actuators 36 to the housing 16 (e.g., so that at least one flange 44a-44d is free of a fastening element 46). As, for example, in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the coupling flange 44b is not aligned with any of the projections 70 to accommodate the fastener 46. At the various coupling points on the housings 16, another flange 44a-44d may not accommodate the fastener 46. The additional flanges 44a-44d allow the actuators 36 to be coupled at different locations on different ventilation grilles 14a, 14b using the same actuator 36 configuration. In some implementations, all of the projections 70 may be aligned with any three of the flanges 44a-44d, for example, flanges 44a, 44c, 44d, to accommodate the fasteners 46. Furthermore, in some implementations, any one of the flanges 44a-44d may engage the locking ribs 86 to couple the actuators 36 to the housing 16.

[0044] Furthermore, each actuator 36 includes a locking flange 118 extending from the body 38 and positioned near the coupling flange 44a. It is considered that the locking flange 118 may be spaced apart from or integrated into the coupling flange 44a; however, it is further considered that the locking flange 118 may be positioned near or integrated into any of the flanges 44b-44d. The locking flange 118 includes a passage 122 which can define cylinder pin holes or locking projections to accommodate the locking pins 90a, 90b in order to subsequently assist in aligning the passages 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d on the projections 70 for coupling the actuators 36 to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14.Accordingly, the locking flange 118 can ensure more precise positioning of the actuators 36 during assembly and correct alignment for engagement of the respective lamella assemblies 28, 32.

[0045] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 as well Fig. The actuators 36 are arranged in spaces by the respective sets of coupling features (e.g., projections 70, locking pins 90a, 90b) and configured to engage the respective lamella assemblies 28, 32 in order to drive a movement of the lamella assemblies 28, 32. The body 38 of the actuators 36 includes the first side 42a, which defines a first surface 130a, and the second side 42b, which defines a second surface 130b. An opening 126 is defined by the body 38 from the first surface 130a of the first side 42a of the body 38 and from the second side 42b and the second surface 130b of the body 38. The coupling joint 40, which engages features for driving the lamellar assemblies 28, 32, extends through the opening 126 or is arranged within it and extends from the first side 42a of the body 38 to the second side 42b of the body 38.

[0046] The actuators 36 are each double-sided engagements for engaging the lamellar assemblies 28, 32 on each side 42a, 42b of the body 38. In this respect, the coupling joint 40 includes a first joint 134a that extends partially through a section of the opening 126 of the body 38 near the first side 42a, and a second joint 134b that extends partially through an opposite section of the opening 126 of the body 38 near the second side 42b. In other words, the first joint 134a is positioned in the first section 136a of the body 38 and can be engaged with the first surface 130a, and the second joint 134b is positioned in the second section 136b of the body 38 and can be engaged with the second surface 130b.For example, one of the first or the second joint 134a, 134b of the coupling joint 40 can be operatively coupled to the drive connecting element 98, which is coupled to the fastening feature 94 on the first or the second side wall 26a, 26b of the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. As described in more detail here, the drive connecting element 98 is positioned between the coupling joint 40 of the actuators 36a, 36c and the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 to assist in adjusting the connected louver assembly 28. In another example, one of the first or the second joint 134a, 134b of the coupling joint 40 of the actuators 36b, 36d can engage with the drive pin 104, which is located in the opening 100 of the lower wall 24 of the ventilation grille 14, to assist in adjusting the pivoting louver assembly 32.

[0047] The extension of the coupling joint 40 from the first side 42a to the second side 42b of the body 38 of the actuators 36, as well as the positioning of the flanges 44a-44d and the locking flange 118, enable coupling of each from the first side 42a or the second side 42b of the actuators 36 to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. For example, one from the first side 42a or the second side 42b of the actuator 36a can be coupled to the first side wall 26a of the first ventilation grille 14a, and one from the first side 42a or the second side 42b of the actuator 36c can be coupled to the second side wall 26b of the second ventilation grille 14b. Accordingly, either the first side 42a or the second side 42b of the actuators 36b, 36d can be coupled to the lower wall 24 of the first or second ventilation grille 14a, 14b.In the illustrated configuration, the first sides 42a of the left actuators 36a, 36c are adjacent to the housing 16 of the first ventilation grille 14a, while the second sides 42b of the right actuators 36b, 36d are arranged adjacent to the housing 16 of the second ventilation grille 14b.

[0048] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 as well as the Fig. 3 and Fig. 12 During assembly, when either the first or second side 42a, 42b of the actuators 36 is coupled to the housing 16, various components can be used to align and position the actuators 36 more efficiently using multiple actuators 36 with the same configuration. For example, when either the first or second side 42a, 42b of the actuators 36 is coupled to the housing 16 of the ventilation grille 14, the locking flange 118 of the actuators 36 and / or the locking ribs 86, defined by the projections 70 of the ventilation grille 14, can be used to assist in locking and positioning the actuators 36 on the housing 16.For example, the opening 122 of the locking flange 118 of the actuators 36 can accommodate the locking pins 90a, 90b of the housing 16 in order to initially position either the first or the second side 42a, 42b of the actuators 36 on the first or the second side wall 26a, 26b or the lower wall 24 of the housing 16. Subsequently, the flanges 44a-44d of the actuators 36 can then align with the locking ribs 86 of the projections 70 to assist in aligning the openings 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d with the openings 78a-78c of the projections 70. Once aligned, the passages 110a-110d of each of the flanges 44a-44d can then accommodate the fasteners 46 to couple the actuators 36 to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14.

[0049] Alternatively, at least one of the flanges 44a-44d can be aligned with the locking ribs 86 of the projections 70 to assist in the initial locking and positioning of the openings 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d on the openings 78a-78c of the projections 70. Subsequently, the locking flange 118 can then be aligned to accommodate the locking pins 90a, 90b to further assist in positioning the actuators 36 on the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. Once the passages 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d are aligned with the openings 78a-78c of the projections 70 and the locking pins 90a, 90b are arranged inside the locking flange 118, the fastening elements 46 can be received by the passages 110a-110d of the flanges 44a-44d to fix the actuators 36 to the housing 16.Accordingly, when the actuators 36 are positioned on the housing 16 via the locking ribs 86 and / or the locking flange 118, the remaining flanges 44a-44d can more easily align with the respective projections 70 of the housing 16. Furthermore, when the locking flange 118 or the locking ribs 86 are used to align the actuators 36 on the housing 16, the coupling joint 40 can engage the drive connecting element 98 on the first or second side wall 26a, 26b, or the drive pin 104 on the lower wall 24 of the housing 16. In this configuration, the actuators 36 operate as universal actuators 36, which can be used on any of the ventilation grilles 14 and at any location on the ventilation grilles 14.

[0050] With reference to the Fig. Figures 5-8 describe the various components (i.e., the flanges 44a-44d, the locking flange 118, the coupling joint 40, the first and second sides 42a, 42b of the body 38) of the actuators 36, providing versatile coupling features that allow for multiple installation configurations of the actuators 36 with the ventilation grilles 14. For example, the left connected actuator 36a is operatively coupled to the first side wall 26a of the first ventilation grille 14a, and the right connected actuator 36c is operatively coupled to the second side wall 26b of the second ventilation grille 14b. Accordingly, the second side wall 26b of the first ventilation grille 14a and the first side wall 26a of the second ventilation grille 14b do not include an actuator. Furthermore, the left swivel actuator 36b is operatively coupled to the lower wall 24 of the first ventilation grille 14a and the right swivel actuator 36d is operatively coupled to the lower wall 24 of the second ventilation grille 14b.Furthermore, during manufacturing, either the first or second side 42a, 42b of the actuators 36 can be coupled to either the first or second side wall 26a, 26b and the lower wall 24. Accordingly, the versatility of the actuators 36 allows for optimal positioning of the actuators 36 relative to the connected and pivoting louver assembly 32 and the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the airflow control mechanism of the air delivery system 10 and its manufacturing process. Moreover, the versatility of coupling the actuators 36 to the housing 16 provides additional structural support for the first and second sections of the housing 16, further securing the ventilation grilles 14 within the vehicle 12.

[0051] The air delivery system 10 of the vehicle 12 may include a third air vent 14a and a fourth air vent 14b, which are arranged on the dashboard 58 and can generally direct air towards a passenger seat 56 of the vehicle 12, in contrast to the first and second air vents 14a, 14b, which can generally direct air towards a driver's seat 56 of the vehicle 12. The third and fourth actuators 14a, 14b may be positioned near the first and second air vents 14a, 14b. The third and fourth ventilation grilles 14a, 14b are essentially identical to the first and second ventilation grilles 14a, 14b, including the positioning of the actuators 36, which may be coupled to a housing 16 of the third and fourth ventilation grilles 14a, 14b to adjust a connected louver assembly 28 and a pivoting louver assembly 32.For example, an actuator 36a can be coupled to a first side wall 26a of the third ventilation grille 14a, and another actuator 36c can be coupled to a second side wall 26b of the fourth ventilation grille 14b in a similar manner, as discussed here. Accordingly, the second side wall 26b of the third ventilation grille 14a and the first side wall 26a of the fourth ventilation grille 14b do not include any actuators 36. Moreover, the actuators 36b, 36d can be coupled to a lower wall 24 of the third and fourth ventilation grilles 14a, 14b. Therefore, the first and second ventilation grilles 14a, 14b can generally mirror and / or be substantially similar to the third and fourth ventilation grilles 14a, 14b.

[0052] With reference to the Fig. Actuators 36 (9-11) control the airflow control features of the air delivery system 10, which includes the pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28. The pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28 are provided for adjusting airflow in a horizontal and a vertical direction, respectively. To adjust airflow in the horizontal direction, the ventilation grilles 14 include the pivoting louver assembly 32 with louvers 138. The louvers 138 are configured as pivoting, vertical louvers 138, which are arranged within the upstream housing section 18. The lamellae 138 generally extend between an upper support 140, which is coupled to an upper inner surface 142 of the housing 16, and a lower support 144, which is coupled to a lower inner surface 146 of the housing 16.The louvers 138 each pivot or rotate about a respective axis of rotation 148, which are generally vertical axes. The louvers 138 are each coupled to a connecting rod 150, allowing them to rotate simultaneously. When the louvers 138 are rotated, they redirect air passing through the ventilation grilles 14 to adjust the airflow horizontally.

[0053] The downstream housing section 20 has a greater height than the upstream housing section 18 to accommodate the movement of the connected vane assembly 28, as described in more detail here. The upper and lower inner surfaces in the downstream housing section 20 are generally curved or V-shaped. One opening of each V faces the opposite side of the downstream housing section 20, thus creating a greater height within the downstream housing section 20.

[0054] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 9-11 The connected vane assembly 28 comprises a first connected vane 154, which is generally an upper horizontal vane, and a second connected vane 156, which is generally a lower horizontal vane. The first and second connected vanes 154, 156 each extend from the outlet 64 to the upstream housing section 18. The first and second connected vanes 154, 156 are generally horizontal vanes that direct air in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the connected vane assembly 28 directs the air in a direction perpendicular to the pivoting vane assembly 32.

[0055] The first connected lamella 154 includes a first drive section 158, which is positioned downstream of a first trailing section 160. Similarly, the second connected lamella 156 includes a second drive section 162, which is positioned downstream of a second trailing section 164. The first and second drive sections 158, 162 are coupled to the housing 16 near the outlet 64, and the first and second trailing sections 160, 164 are coupled to the housing 16 near the first cavity section 30. The housing 16 defines downstream passages 166a, 166b on each of the first side wall 26a and the second opposite side wall 26b. The downstream passages 166a, 166b are arranged near the outlet 64 at different heights to engage with the first and second connected lamellae 154, 156 respectively.

[0056] The first drive section 158 includes pins 170 extending through downstream passages 166a. This engagement allows the first drive section 158 to rotate about a pivot axis 172. The second drive section 162 includes pins 174 extending through downstream passages 166b, allowing the second drive section 162 to rotate about a pivot axis 176. The pivot axes 172 and 176 are generally horizontal and can extend parallel to each other.

[0057] The housing 16 also defines upstream slots 180 on each of the first and second side walls 26a, 26b. The upstream slots 180 accommodate both a rotational and a sliding movement of the trailing sections 160 and 164, respectively. The upstream slots 180 can be oriented at different angles within the housing 16, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 illustrates the following: the upstream slots 180 extend at the same angle based on the movement of the trailing sections 160 and 164. Alternatively, the upstream slots 180 can extend at the same angle without deviating from the principles described in this document. The length of the upstream slots 180 can depend on the sliding movement of the trailing sections 160 and 164.

[0058] The first trailing section 160 includes pins 182 which engage the upstream slots 180. The first trailing section 160 rotates about a pivot axis 184 and slides within the upstream slots 180. The second trailing section 164 includes pins 186 which engage the upstream slots 180. The second trailing section 164 rotates about a pivot axis 188 and slides within the upstream slots 180. Accordingly, each of the trailing sections 160, 164 rotates and slides relative to the housing 16 to allow the connected blades 154, 156 to form the selected shape to direct the airflow vertically.

[0059] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 9-11, the first trailing section 160 is rotatably coupled to the first drive section 158, and the second trailing section 164 is rotatably coupled to the second drive section 162. The first connected lamella 154 is in Fig. 11 illustrates and is described in more detail here. The in Fig. The second connected lamella 156, illustrated in Figure 10, is generally identical in structure and function to the first connected lamella 154. The first drive section 158 and the first trailing section 160 each include pins 170, 182 for rotatable engagement with the housing 16. The pins 170, 182 are located at the distal ends of the first drive section 158 and the first trailing section 160, respectively. The proximal ends of the first drive section 158 and the first trailing section 160 are rotatably coupled to one another.

[0060] The first drive section 158 has coupling rods 192 at its proximal end and drive pins 194 extending from each side of the first drive section 158 at its proximal end. Furthermore, the first drive section 158 defines a receiving passage 196 near each coupling rod 192. The first trailing section 160 includes coupling features 198 extending through the receiving passages 196 and coupled to the coupling rods 192. In certain aspects, the coupling features 198 engage the coupling rods 192 in a detent engagement. The coupling features 198 are configured to rotate around the coupling rods 192, thereby providing a pivot engagement. A movement of the driver section 158 causes a complementary movement of the trailing section 160 through the joint engagement.

[0061] The first drive section 158, the first trailing section 160, the second drive section 162, and the second trailing section 164 each define an arc-shaped form. The drive sections 158 and 162 have curved guide surfaces 202 facing each other, and the trailing sections 160 and 164 have curved guide surfaces 204 facing each other. The first connected lamella 154 and the second connected lamella 156 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of an airflow path 208 that extends through the ventilation grilles 14. The curved guide surfaces 202 and 204 serve to guide the airflow path 208 in the vertical direction with the movement of the connected lamella assembly 28.

[0062] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 9-11 as well Fig. The first connected lamella 154 and the second connected lamella 156 are each coupled to connection features 212a and 212b, respectively. In certain aspects, the drive sections 158 and 162 are coupled to connection features 212a and 212b. Thus, the first connected lamella 154 is coupled to the second connected lamella 156 via connection features 212a and 212b, enabling simultaneous or parallel movement of the connected lamellae 154 and 156. Connection feature 212a is located near the first side wall 26a of the housing 16 of the first ventilation grille 14a and near the second side wall 26b of the second ventilation grille 14b, and is coupled to a first or outer side of the connected lamellae 154 and 156.The connecting feature 212b is located near the opposite side wall 26a, 26b, such as the second side wall 26b in the first ventilation grille 14a and the first side wall 26a in the second ventilation grille 14b, and is coupled to a second or inner side of the connected louvers 154, 156. The connecting features 212a, 212b are configured to adjust vertically within the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. The connecting features 212a, 212b allow the connected louvers 154, 156 to be adjusted simultaneously. The use of the two connecting features 212a, 212b, which are located on opposite sides of the connected louvers 154, 156, minimizes or prevents twisting or jamming when the connected louvers 154, 156 are moved. The drive pins 194 on each of the drive sections 158, 162 are coupled to the connection features 212a, 212b.In this way, the connected lamellae 154, 156 are coupled to the connection features 212a, 212b near the joint engagement.

[0063] The first side wall 26a of the housing 16 of the first ventilation grille 14a and the second side wall 26b of the housing 16 of the second ventilation grille 14b define slots 214. In each ventilation grille 14, the connection feature 212a includes an engagement pin 216 that extends through the slot 214 to engage the actuators 36a, 36c via the drive connection features 98. While the ventilation grilles 14 include two connection features 212a, 212b, connection feature 212a can engage the actuators 36a, 36c, while connection feature 212b cannot. The actuators 36 engage the engagement pin 216 to adjust the engagement pin 216 along the slot 214, thereby adjusting the connection feature 212a vertically, which consequently causes a movement of the drive sections 158, 162 from one side of the ventilation grilles 14.The movement of the drive sections 158, 162 causes a movement of the trailing sections 160, 164 through the articulated engagement between the drive sections 158, 162 and the trailing sections 160, 164. Furthermore, the connected lamellae 154, 156 are driven from a point near the articulated engagement.

[0064] Furthermore, with regard to the Fig. 9-12 The drive connecting element 98 can be coupled to the fastening feature 94 of the housing 16 of the first or second side wall 26a, 26b of the ventilation grilles 14. The drive connecting element 98 can rotate about an axis of rotation defined by the fastening feature 94. Furthermore, the fastening feature 94 can provide guidance and stability for the movement of the drive connecting element 98. The first or second joint 134a, 134b of the coupling joint 40 (i.e., the first joint 134a at the first grille 14a and the second joint 134b at the second grille 14b) engages the drive connecting elements 98 to assist in the operative coupling of the connecting features 212a with the actuators 36a, 36c. Accordingly, the drive connecting elements 98 extend between the actuators 36a, 36c and the engagement pin 216 of the connecting feature 212a.The drive connecting element 98 can engage the engagement pin 216 via a connecting slot 224 of the drive connecting element 98.

[0065] The connecting actuators 36a, 36c can each include a motor 220, which has or is operatively coupled to a position sensor 222. When the motor 220 is switched on, it causes the drive connecting elements 98 to adjust themselves (e.g., to rotate) via the coupling joint 40, thus causing a movement of the drive connecting elements 98. This, in turn, adjusts the position of the engagement pin 216 relative to the slot 214, which causes a movement of the connected louvers 154, 156. The position sensor 222 monitors the position of the connected louvers 154, 156 and enables the connected louver assembly 28 to be adjusted to the selected position to provide the selected vertical direction of the airflow path 208.

[0066] The ventilation grilles 14 generally also include the left pivot actuator 36b and the right pivot actuator 36d, which engage the pivoting louver assembly 32. The left and right pivot actuators 36b and 36d also include a motor 228, which is operatively coupled to at least one of the louvers 138 and the connecting rod 150. The motor 228 also includes or is operatively coupled to a position sensor 230 in order to be able to adjust the louvers 138 to a selected position, thereby providing the selected horizontal direction of the airflow path 208. Furthermore, the drive pin 104 generally extends from one of the louvers 138 of the pivoting louver assembly 32 along a respective axis of rotation 148 through the opening 100 to engage the coupling joint 40.When the motor 228 is switched on, the drive pin 104 can rotate about the pivot axis 148 to adjust one of the louvers 138, thereby adjusting the remaining louvers 138 via the connecting rod 150. The pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28 can each be automatically adjusted to direct the airflow path 208 both horizontally and vertically.

[0067] Regarding Fig. The air delivery system 10 includes a controller 234, which has a processor 236, a memory 238, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines 240 are stored in the memory 238 and can be executed by the processor 236. The controller 234 communicates with a user interface 242, which may include a display 244 or another selectable feature 245 (e.g., buttons, switches, knobs, etc.), such as those on a center console 246 in the vehicle 12. The passenger or user can input a selection into the user interface 242 regarding the horizontal and vertical direction of the airflow discharged from the air vents 14. The input is communicated to the controller 234, which can then switch on one or both of the motors 220, 228.

[0068] The controller 234 can include at least one routine 240 to determine the current position of the pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28 using the position sensors 222 and 230. If the current position does not match the position for the selected airflow path 208, the controller 234 adjusts the connected louver assembly 28 or the pivoting louver assembly 32 via the actuators 36. The controller 234 can continue to monitor the position of the pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28 until the position matches the selected airflow path 208. The controller 234 can store position information relating the position of the pivoting louver assembly 32 to horizontal directions and the position of the connected louver assembly 28 to vertical directions.

[0069] Regarding the Fig.During operation, the ventilation grilles 14 receive conditioned air from the HVAC assembly via the duct. The air passes through the inlet 66 and through the first cavity section 30. The air is then deflected horizontally by the louvers 138 of the pivoting louver assembly 32. After horizontal deflection, the air enters the second cavity section 34. The air follows the curved guide surfaces 202, 204 and is guided vertically based on the position of the connected louver assembly 28. The air is then expelled through the outlet 64. Depending on the vertical orientation of the airflow path 208 exiting the ventilation grilles 14, the air follows the curved surfaces of the baffle 60. The air is directed in the selected horizontal and vertical direction and into the interior space 54.Based on the positions of the pivoting louver assembly 32 and the connected louver assembly 28, the air can exit the ventilation grilles 14 at a different vertical and / or horizontal angle relative to an entry direction at the inlet 66.

[0070] The use of the present device and system can provide numerous advantages. For example, the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14 includes the projections 70, which define the locking ribs 86, to assist in aligning and positioning the actuators 36 on the ventilation grilles 14. Likewise, the actuators 36 include the locking flanges 118, which can receive the locking pins 90a, 90b, arranged on the ventilation grilles 14, to further assist in positioning and fixing the actuators 36 on the ventilation grilles 14. Moreover, the locking ribs 86 on the projections 70 of the housing 16 also assist in aligning and positioning the actuators 36 on the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. Furthermore, the actuators 36 include the coupling joint 40, which extends from the first side 42a of the actuators 36 to the second side 42b of the actuators 36 and defines the first joint 134a and the second joint 134b.The coupling joint 40 further fixes the actuators 36 to the ventilation grilles 14 and enables the operation of the drive connecting element 98 and the drive pin 104, which are arranged on the first or second side wall 26a, 26b or the lower wall 24 of the housing 16.

[0071] The versatility of the actuators 36, including the ability to utilize the first and second sides 42b of the actuators 36 to couple them to the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14, allows the actuators 36 to be positioned on different ventilation grilles 14, thus providing a universal actuator 36 that can be used in a variety of positions along the housing 16. Accordingly, the actuators 36 can be adjusted or reversed to connect to the kinematic input of the ventilation grilles 14. Furthermore, in some implementations, three of the flanges 44a-44d can be used to couple the actuators 36 to the housing 16; however, all flanges 44a-44d can be used.The coupling flanges 44a-44d, which may not be used, can serve as an additional screw fastening to assist in coupling the actuators 36 in different configurations along the housing 16 of the ventilation grilles 14. Furthermore, the housing can provide both a four-way locking mechanism (e.g., the locking pins 90a, 90b) and a two-way locking mechanism (e.g., the locking ribs 86) for each actuator 36. In addition, the dual coupling joint 40, which includes the first joint 134a and the second joint 134b, allows coupling of the connected and pivoting louver assembly 28, 32 to assist in adjusting the airflow path 208 of the ventilation grilles 14. Additional benefits or advantages can be implemented and / or achieved.

[0072] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0073] According to the present invention, an air delivery system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: at least one ventilation grille assembly comprising: a housing defining a first section and a second section, wherein the housing includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a first and a second side wall; a connected louver assembly arranged in a cavity defined by the first section of the housing; and a pivoting louver assembly arranged in a cavity defined by the second section of the housing; a first actuator operatively coupled to the connected louver assembly to direct a movement of the connected louver assembly, wherein the first actuator is coupled to the first side wall;and a second actuator operatively coupled to the pivoting louver assembly to direct a movement of the pivoting louver assembly, the second actuator being coupled to the lower wall, and the first and second actuators each comprising: a body comprising a first side and a second side, the body defining a coupling joint in the first side and the second side; and coupling flanges extending from the body to accommodate fastening elements for coupling the respective actuator to the housing.

[0074] According to one embodiment, each flange defines a passage for coupling the first and second actuators to the housing via the fastening elements, and wherein the coupling flanges extend in different directions from the body of the respective first and second actuators.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a plurality of projections extending from each of the first side wall and the lower wall of the housing, and wherein at least one of the plurality of projections on each of the first side wall and the lower wall includes locking ribs.

[0076] According to one embodiment, at least one of the coupling flanges of the first actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the first side wall, and at least one of the coupling flanges of the second actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the lower wall.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the body of each of the first and second actuators includes a locking flange, and the housing includes a locking pin extending from each of the first side wall and the bottom wall.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the locking flanges each define a passage, and wherein the locking flange of the first actuator is configured to receive the locking pin extending from the first side wall, and the locking flange of the second actuator is configured to receive the locking pin extending from the lower wall of the housing.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a third and a fourth actuator, wherein the at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a first ventilation grille and a second ventilation grille, and wherein the first and the second actuator are coupled to the first ventilation grille, and wherein furthermore the third actuator is coupled to the second side wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille, and the fourth actuator is coupled to the lower wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first side of the first and second actuators engages the housing of the first ventilation grille to allow the coupling joints on the first sides of the first and second actuators to engage the connected louver assembly and the pivoting louver assembly of the first ventilation grille, respectively, and wherein the second side of the third and fourth actuators engages the housing of the second ventilation grille to allow the coupling joints on the second sides of the third and fourth actuators to engage the connected louver assembly and the pivoting louver assembly of the second ventilation grille, respectively.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a connecting feature comprising an engagement pin extending through a slot defined by the first side wall, wherein the connecting feature is coupled to the connected lamella assembly; a drive connecting element operatively coupled to the coupling joint of the first side of the first actuator and the connecting feature to adjust a position of the connected lamella assembly; and a drive pin operatively coupled to the coupling joint of the second actuator and the pivoting lamella assembly to adjust a position of the pivoting lamella assembly.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the lower wall of the housing defines an opening, and the drive pin extends through the opening to engage the coupling joint of the second actuator.

[0083] According to the present invention, a ventilation grille assembly for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a ventilation grille comprising: a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a first and a second side wall to define a cavity at least partially; coupling projections extending from the housing, wherein at least one of the coupling projections defines locking ribs; locking pins extending from the housing near the coupling projections; a first louver assembly comprising first louvers arranged in the cavity; and a second louver assembly comprising second louvers arranged in the cavity, wherein the second louver assembly is positioned near the first louver assembly;and a first actuator which is operatively coupled to the first side wall of the ventilation grille via the coupling projections and at least one of the locking pins, wherein the first actuator engages the first louver assembly to direct a movement of the first louvers in a first direction; and a second actuator which is operatively coupled to the lower wall of the ventilation grille via the coupling projections and at least one of the locking pins, wherein the second actuator engages the second louver assembly to direct a movement of the second louvers in a second direction.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise a body positioned within a space defined by a respective set of coupling projections, and wherein the body of the first and second actuators comprises a first side and a second side, the first side being opposite the second side.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator each include a coupling joint comprising a first joint extending from the first side partially through a first section of the body and a second joint extending from the second side partially through a second section of the body.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the coupling projections and the locking pins each extend from the first side wall and the lower wall of the housing, wherein the first side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the first side wall and the first joint engages the first lamellae of the first lamella assembly, and wherein the first side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages with the second lamellae of the second lamella assembly.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the coupling projections and the locking pins extend from the second side wall and the lower wall of the housing, wherein the second side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the second side wall and the second joint engages the first lamellae of the first lamella assembly, and wherein the second side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages the second lamellae of the second lamella assembly.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a second ventilation grille comprising a housing having a first side wall, a second side wall and a lower wall, which at least partially define a cavity; wherein a third actuator is operatively coupled to the second side wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille; and a fourth actuator is operatively coupled to the lower wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille.

[0089] According to the present invention, a ventilation grille assembly for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a housing including a lower wall and opposing side walls to define a cavity at least partially; a fastening feature extending from at least one of the opposing side walls of the housing; a louver assembly arranged in the cavity of the housing, wherein the louver assembly includes first louvers and second louvers configured to direct air into an interior space of the vehicle; actuators operatively coupled to the housing, wherein the actuators are configured to actuate the first louvers and the second louvers, respectively.to adjust the second slats, wherein the actuators each include a coupling joint; a drive connecting element operatively coupled to the mounting feature and coupling joint of one of the actuators; and a connecting feature arranged within the cavity and including an engagement pin extending through a slot on the housing, wherein the connecting feature is coupled to the drive connecting element and the slat assembly, and wherein one of the actuators rotates the drive connecting element to move the connecting feature in a predetermined path along the slot to adjust the position of the first slats.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: an opening defined on the lower wall of the housing; and a drive pin that is partially arranged within the opening of the housing, the drive pin being coupled to the second slats of the slat assembly. According to one embodiment, the drive pin engages the coupling joint of a second actuator to rotate the drive pin and adjust the position of the second slats.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the actuators each comprise a first side and a second side, and wherein the coupling joint on each of the first side and the second side is defined such that the first side and the second side of each of the actuators are configured to engage the lamella assembly.

Claims

[1] Air delivery system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one ventilation grille assembly that includes the following: a housing that defines a first section and a second section, wherein the housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a first and a second side wall; a connected lamellar assembly arranged in a cavity defined by the first section of the housing; and a pivoting lamellar assembly arranged in a cavity defined by the second section of the housing; a first actuator that is operatively coupled to the connected louver assembly to direct a movement of the connected louver assembly, wherein the first actuator is coupled to the first side wall; and a second actuator which is operatively coupled to the pivoting louver assembly to direct a movement of the pivoting louver assembly, wherein the second actuator is coupled to the lower wall and wherein the first and the second actuator each comprise the following: a body comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the body defines a coupling joint in the first side and the second side; and Coupling flanges extending from the body to accommodate fastening elements for coupling the respective actuator to the housing. [2] Air delivery system according to claim 1, wherein each flange defines a passage for coupling the first and second actuators to the housing via the fastening elements and wherein the coupling flanges extend in different directions from the body of the respective first actuator and second actuator. [3] Air delivery system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a plurality of projections extending from each of the first side wall and the lower wall of the housing, and wherein at least one of the plurality of projections on each of the first side wall and the lower wall includes locking ribs. [4] Air delivery system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the coupling flanges of the first actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the first side wall and wherein at least one of the coupling flanges of the second actuator is arranged between the locking ribs on the lower wall. [5] Air delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the body of each of the first and second actuators includes a locking flange and wherein the housing includes a locking pin extending from each of the first side wall and the bottom wall. [6] Air delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the locking flanges each define a passage and wherein the locking flange of the first actuator is configured to receive the locking pin extending from the first side wall and the locking flange of the second actuator is configured to receive the locking pin extending from the lower wall of the housing. [7] Air delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each include the coupling joint comprising a first joint extending from the first side partially through a first section of the body and a second joint extending from the second side partially through a second section of the body. [8] Air delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the coupling flanges and the locking pins each extend from the first side wall and the lower wall of the housing, and wherein the first side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the first side wall and the first joint engages lamellae of the connected lamella assembly, and wherein the first side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages lamellae of the pivoting lamella assembly. [9] Air delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the coupling flanges and the locking pins each extend from the second side wall and the lower wall of the housing, wherein the second side of the first actuator is arranged adjacent to the second side wall and the second joint engages the lamellae of the connected lamella assembly and wherein the second side of the second actuator is arranged adjacent to the lower wall and the second joint engages the lamellae of the pivoting lamella assembly. [10] Air delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising: a third and a fourth actuator, wherein the at least one ventilation grille assembly includes a first ventilation grille and a second ventilation grille, and wherein the first and second actuators are coupled to the first ventilation grille, and wherein furthermore the third actuator is coupled to the second side wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille, and the fourth actuator is coupled to the lower wall of the housing of the second ventilation grille. [11] Air delivery system according to claim 10, wherein the first sides of the first and second actuators engage the housing of the first ventilation grille to enable the coupling joints on the first sides of the first and second actuators to engage the connected louver assembly or the pivoting louver assembly of the first ventilation grille, respectively, and wherein the second sides of the third and fourth actuators engage the housing of the second ventilation grille to enable the coupling joints on the second sides of the third and fourth actuators to engage the connected louver assembly or the pivoting louver assembly of the second ventilation grille, respectively. [12] Air delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising: a connecting feature comprising an engagement pin extending through a slot defined by the first side wall, wherein the connecting feature is coupled to the connected lamella assembly; a drive connecting element that is operatively coupled to the coupling joint of the first side of the first actuator and the connecting feature in order to set a position of the connected lamella assembly; and a drive pin which is operatively coupled to the coupling joint of the first side of the second actuator and the pivoting lamella assembly in order to set a position of the pivoting lamella assembly. [13] Air delivery system according to claim 12, wherein the lower wall of the housing defines an opening and wherein the drive pin extends through the opening to engage the coupling joint of the second actuator. [14] Air delivery system according to claim 12, wherein the drive pin engages the coupling joint of the second actuator to rotate the drive pin and adjust the position of the pivoting louver assembly. [15] Air delivery system according to one of claims 1-14, wherein in each of the first and second actuators the coupling joint on each of the first side and the second side is defined such that the first side and the second side of each of the first and second actuators are configured to selectively engage the connected louver assembly and the pivoting louver assembly.

Images